In Africa, the region most affected, have achieved unprecedented reductions in combating HIV and AIDS, as shown by the report of the Organization of United Nations AIDS (UNAIDS).
But newly released figures in other countries, to mark the World AIDS Day on Saturday, show that new infections are rising virus, particularly among young people and the population of men who have sex with men (MSM).
The Agency for Health Protection (HPA) in the UK, shows that the number of HIV diagnoses in MSM reached a rate "unprecedented" in 2011.
The Russian government reported that the number of HIV cases in the first six months of 2012 was 12% higher than the same period last year.
U.S. officials are also concerned about recent trends. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate an increase in "worrying" new infections among MSM and young people 13 to 24 years.
"Among men who have sex with men is perhaps having a false sense of security that give treatments "
Dr. Pedro Cahn
The CDC data show that 26% (1 in 4) of new HIV infections occur in young people: almost 1,000 infections per month.
"It is also alarming that almost 60% of young people with HIV do not know they are infected and could, without being aware, spread the virus to others," the CDC said.
In China, according to the official Xinhua news agency, the number of new cases increased 13% from January to October last and the number of HIV-infected persons aged 50 and over increased 20%.
The country has almost half a million people living with the infection, including almost 70,000 new cases last year, says the Health Ministry was quoted as saying.
And the Chinese government has recognized the problem among men who have sex with men (MSM).
Forgetfulness or carelessness
What these figures show overall? While efforts were concentrated in Africa and other developing countries, have you forgotten to high-risk populations in other countries: the young and the MSM?
Or do these people have become complacent about the disease?
IN PICTURES
Dr. Pedro Cahn, chief of infectious diseases at the Hospital of Buenos Aires Fernandez and president of the Foundation Guest in Argentina, believes that both factors are having a negative impact on the epidemic.
In Argentina, the expert tells the BBC, the epidemic is showing similar trends in the rest of the world.
"While the prevalence in the general population is 0.4%, among MSM prevalence rate is 11% and the trans population (tavestis, transsexual, transgender) is 34%," says the doctor.
The increase, he adds, shows various reasons.
"Among MSM is perhaps having a false sense of security that give treatments," explains infectious.
"It is true that treatments that are getting better, are changing the history of the epidemic and many might think that as the disease now kills is not so serious, because treatment normalizes".
For this might also have stopped using condoms and other forms of sexual protection, adds.
But despite the advances in therapy, the disease remains a serious and disabling disorder, experts say.
HIV causes a continuous assault on the immune system that causes increasing weakness until they can no longer fight off infections.
And any infection from diarrhea or flu, can be lethal.
Besides antiretroviral treatments can also have serious side effects.
Risk groups
In the United States there has been an increase "alarming" of infections among young people.
There are still 34 million people living with HIV.In 2011 there were 2.5 million new infections of the virus and 1.7 million died from causes related to HIV / AIDS.
And about 6.8 million people who need treatment do not have access to this.
The good news, says UNAIDS, is that for the first time have been reduced infections among children. Now the figure is 24% lower than in 2009.
But according to Dr. Pedro Cahn, there is still much more to do to reach the groups that are most at risk around the world, and young MSM.
"Saving babies is always politically popular. Saving gay men, drug addicts and prostitutes are not, and often have to persuade presidents and religious leaders to help "
Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS
"We need to conduct parallel approaches," explains the infectologist the BBC.
"One focused on the general population and other specifically targeting MSM populations and youth. Perhaps these people have to tell their peers, with informal language, using social networks and all the resources used by these groups," the expert.
As said Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director, "save babies always politically popular."
"Saving gay men, drug addicts and prostitutes are not, and often have to persuade presidents and religious leaders to help them."
But clearly, he adds, it is now necessary to focus efforts on high-risk groups.
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